PROMOTED Chester County Officers got their Meller Braggins League Division Two campaign off to a winning start.

Last year’s Division Three champions triumphed at Lymm Oughtrington Park in a match delayed by 15 minutes due to rain.

Considering the damp conditions, Chester chose to field first.

The pace bowling of Vamshi (7-39) and the accuracy of Steve Johnson (3-25) kept the run rate to a minimum as Lymm were all out for 68.

After tea, Chester’s Mike Rowlands was out for just three but league debutant Stuart Putson (19no) paired up with Ian Rule (31) to put the hosts in command. They won with 69-2.

Chester’s opponents this Saturday are fellow promoted side BUNBURY, who opened up with a home victory over Trafford MV.

The hosts dismissed Trafford for 139, Dave Roberts taking 4-35 while Owen Williamson and Peter Caine chipped in with three wickets apiece.

In reply, Bunbury reached 141-4 in 27.5 overs, Simon Lamb top scoring with 64 while Jamie Taylor hit 35.

In Division One, OAKMERE (121ao) suffered a home loss to Runcorn (125-7).

No play was possible in the Division Three match involving Groves and BARROW due to the wet weather.